| Date Started: May 4th, 2024 Date Completed: TBA Users Involved: User:Blackdagger01, User:Shadowmae, User:Duck4war, User:Rockett121, User:AbysmalShadows, User:Yourlocalwreck |
Gambling Addicts[]
Off the port docks of the gambling vessel Gran Tesoro, a shimmering island sized boat of sin and luxury. Lights shined out in the half moon night sky, the stars twinkled off it. Off in the distance of the grandiose ship, a small black dot that seemed to effortlessly blend into the night sky made its way towards the ship
Using his gauntlets to grab onto the cold air, Horkos swung across the sky as if it were a gymnasium. Dawning a black coat with yellow sleeve cuffs, a pair of black pants with a yellow sash coming from the top, and wearing a loose camo tie, Horkos's fur fluttered in the Spring night wind. The smell of the ocean and sounds of waves crashing mixed with people partying filled the empty sky. On his back was a giant bag holding some basic supplies as well as his small crewmate, Yoko. "Are you sure this place holds the mink Takara Botan, it is riddled with filthy human. Why would such a powerful person meddle with low lives like them?" Horkos spoke in disgust.
"You do know that most minks think of humans as like... cousins, right? Lesser Minks they call them. You're the odd one out in that." Yoko responded, a bark coming from deeper within the bag as Vixen spoke up to agree with the half-mink girl.
Opening up the notebook in her hands she read over the notes she'd taken regarding the lead. "This has to be the place. I mean, how many giant floating casinos are there? I'll give you a hundred berries if you can name five of them."
"Either way, look at this place. Even if our guy ain't here then there's bound to be a few others we could talk to. You ever been here before, Horkos?"
Horkos swung in silence for a moment as a memory of him as a child being transported through the island in chains, being gambled away when he was still a slave. His wrists began to ache as he remembered the feeling of the chains around them, a pain all too familiar, right before he snapped back to reality. "I've been here once." he replied with a slight grimace in his voice "Swore I would return one day, though now is not time for that. We are landing now, so hang on tight kid". The lights of the spotlights glimmered off Horkos's black form, the guards not even noticing something in the sky was coming towards the ship as he blended in with the night sky.
Landing on the outskirt edge of the island boat, Horkos put down his bag and opened it up for Yoko to step out. Now that the light surrounded Horkos, he was wearing more "fancy" clothing, being that it was a black coat that went to his knees, a pair of black pants with a yellow sash outstretching the top of it, and a camo tie loosely tied around his neck. He still didn't wear a shirt, but he definitely had on more clothing on than usual. "Let's find this man quickly and get out of here." Horkos said as he entered in the building completely.
"That might be easier said than done..." Yoko spoke as she looked around, the ship was much larger than it had seemed on their approach. "I don't even know where to start." She continued, a bead of sweat on her temple.
Taking out the wanted poster she looked at the weird mix of machine and supposedly a mink. He should stand out, she was sure of that. At least, she would be were the place not so crowded. Even with only half of the ship operational, perhaps that only made things worse.
With Vixen resting comfortably atop her head she followed closely behind Horkos. Men and woman of all shapes and sizes crowded the walk path, more than once she stifled a hiss as someone stepped on her foot.
"You've got the bird's eyeview up there. What do you see?" She asked, unable to see above the crowd like Horkos could.
The city down below shimmered splendidly, illuminated not by the moons light but the signs loudly shining their advertisements onto the pavement below. They displayed many earthly pleasures, whether it be casinos offering the gambling experience of your life or a restaurant to divulge in the most gluttonous of feasts.
But throughout the city it was clear it wasn’t simply a mass of concrete and steel, but that there were plants strewn about the architecture. Vines speckled the glittering buildings and flowers decorated the roads. Despite a ship like this which was should’ve had thick, smoggy air, the quality of the air was crisp and clean.
The streets seemed emptier than usual however, and the reason for that was quite evident. On in the distance a display of lights and sounds raged through the night. Laser light shows shot into the sky, reaching far enough to illuminate the clouds above, and pop music played live blasted through the speakerphones filling even the farthest reaches of the ship with the wonderful music.
The Gran Tesoro, a traveling casino that had earned itself quite the reputation across the New World, a place that someone like Baji couldn’t help but visit. With the establishment of his kingdom, the young ruler had a string of casinos and other pleasurable activities of his own that he ran, only making it natural that he take immediate interest in such a place as this. He arrived by ship, only accompanied by two members of his nation’s military to navigate and sail the vessel respectively as he had very limited knowledge of both. Before long the floating city would appear on the horizon, Baji quickly taking notice of the figure and smiling with anticipation, it seemed there were some strong people present.
In the moments leading up to their arrival Baji was endlessly debating what exactly he should do with his hair. On one end he wanted something at least a bit serious, as he was here on business as well as to sight see. Ideally, the King would get an audience with whoever found themselves in charge of the Gran Tesoro and present them with a proposition; ally with him in order to create a mutually beneficial relationship. Being the ruler of his own kingdom Baji could provide a plethora of resources and financial support, as well as protection due to not only his own power but his military as well. As such, ensuring that he looked the part was very integral to his first impression, though he was sure that Botan would recognize the potential of him and his kingdom as an ally. At worst he said no and Baji simply continued on with his life, though that didn’t mean he wouldn’t try.
As his ship closed in Baji finally decided to opt for a single long braid, something that was convenient and stylish but also displayed effort and intention. It was unlikely that the others paid such attention to the physical appearance of others, but to him such things were incredibly important. Making his way to the upper deck Baji and his two men would anchor their ship outside and finally make their way on to the massive ship, where the trio would marvel at the sights and sounds. The person responsible for the architecture was truly a genius when it came to the design, Baji finding this place similar to his old dwelling on Alabasta. As they walked Baji would stop at multiple different food stands and restaurants, eager to try out the different cuisine that the Gran Tesoro offered, particularly their alcohol moreso than the food.
Walking around with his mini entourage following closely behind him Baji genuinely enjoying himself, and despite the multiple stronger than normal people that he’d sensed upon arriving it didn’t seem like anybody was out to cause trouble. Perhaps for once, just this once, things would go smoothly. No fighting, no struggle, just a simple meeting and discussion before returning home. His personal favorite part about the entire experience was the amount of stylishness, people from all over with all sorts of different styles and fashion choices was absolute heaven to him, it made him feel as though he didn’t stand out. Sure, not everyone was accompanied by a pair of armed guards, but that was neither here nor there. All that mattered was that Baji was surrounded by individuals who took their appearance seriously, and he’d certainly take a mental note of a few of these styles to incorporate into his own wardrobe when he returned home. Now though it was back to business, finding this “Botan” character who was supposed to be the head of this whole operation.
Looking down to Horkos, the sight of the oncoming ship made Horkos curious at who was aboard it, but when he noticed it was just another lowly human he continued looking around. People of all races were all over the ship, too many for Horkos's comfort, but he couldn't cause a disruption this early into entering the ship. "I don't see who we are looking for here, let's continue on. I'm sure we can find something further down.". Walking down the street, a multitude of casinos and bars with bright lights stood out, gathering more and more people inside.
Most people that saw Horkos walk down the street averted their gaze out of fear for the mink, which Horkos quite enjoyed as he found the reaction to be proper. However as he and Yoko were walking, a group of five drunk pirates not watching where they were going bumped into the behemoth of a mink. Looking up "Watch where you are going you fucking animal" one of the inebriated pirates said as they began to walk off. Before they could make their way away from Horkos though, Horkos grabbed the man by his arm, his giant hand encompassing the man's arm, before lifting him up. The friends of the man looked up in surprise, beginning to pull out some swords and rambling, the ruckus gartered some attention from passing eyes.
"Yoko, take care of the rest while I deal with this one." Horkos growled as he turned his attention to the squirming man "Do you know who this man is?" he aggressively asked the man he was holding up as he showed the picture of Botan in his hybrid form. The man shaking now, panically replied "I don't know who that animal is." as soon as he called Botan an animal, Horkos immediately shattered the man's arm, causing his screams to echo through out the gambling ship. Though the sounds of clicking gears and whirling casino machines drowned out the screams. After shattering his arm, Horkos slammed the man on the ground, leaving a crack in the marbled flooring "Yoko, have you finished off the others yet?" he asked as he looked over to Yoko.
The others she'd been tasked with dealing with lied on the ground foaming from their mouths. A quick jolt of electro mixed with their own drunken state made them easy prey. They'd hardly been on their feet to begin with after all.
"Yeah... But now we're gonna get in trouble. I thought we came here to look for someone, not pick a fight?" Yoko responded, seeing the eyes of the some of the patrons that had been too shocked to immediately run once the fighting started.
“Dinner and a show? Color me impressed.”
The voice of another man called out to the pair of Minks. Of course, it was none other than Baji himself, who had watched the entire ordeal go down with a beef skewer in his hand. Unlike many other humans Baji wasn’t big on racism as he understood what it felt like to be oppressed, having once been a slave in his younger days before rising to the heights he’s reached now. As a result of his upbringing Baji treated any and all people the same regardless of their race, though admittedly he’d never met a mink before. It seemed the world truly did have lots to offer when you went out and looked for it.
“You’re pretty strong it seems, I take that to mean you’re not merely here to take in the sights and enjoy yourself. I couldn’t help but overhear you were looking for the man who runs this place, ‘Botan’. As it happens, I’m looking for him as well to discuss a.. business opportunity of sorts. I’m unsure what you want him for, but perhaps we can find him together?”
The King offered, finishing off his beef skewer and using the sharpened stick to pick his teeth as he awaited an answer. The two guards that accompanied him were immediately put on edge just due to the stature and demeanor that Horkos portrayed, however Baji was as calm as ever. To anyone even the least bit perceptive it was clear that despite the incredible size difference Baji possessed a presence that in a way, felt just as larger than life as Horkos did. In terms of pure size it was no contest, but there was a feeling that in some way, these two were the same.
It was very apparent that Horkos was a powerful force even by Baji’s standard for strength, who was immediately able to determine this fact with the almost passive usage of his observation haki. While of course he wasn’t looking for a fight, sizing up any and everyone he meets was simply an unconscious habit for the king at this point. He may not have looked it given his pretty boy appearance, but before a king Baji is a warrior first.
“Ah, where are my manners? Name’s Baji, pleased to meet ya.”
And with his official introduction, Baji extended his hand for Horkos to shake. He was always for making new potential friends and allies, and someone as strong as this would make for a truly deadly friend to have on your side, even Baji would admit that. Besides, he wasn’t big on making enemies where they didn’t exist, the question now was simply, did they exist here?
Yoko stood just off to the side of Horkos, shrouded behind the shadow of his massive arm. She did not know for certain how he might react being approached so casually by a human. The man was unpredictable, she'd learned as much back on Zou. She had half a mind to tell him not to lash out, but she felt her words would fall on deaf ears even if she had.
"Horkos..." She got out, a warning to mind their surroundings. This was not the place to keep making a scene, not if they wanted to complete their objective. And if this man was willing to help, even if human, it might be worth considering.
A vein seemed to strain against his head as irritation boiled into anger as these lowly humans kept approaching him as if they were friends. In fact, they were no where close, these people surrounding him except for his fellow minks were like insects at the base of a mountain, inconceivable to his presence. If it weren't for the fact that the man known as Baji dropped the name of the mink he was looking for, he would have lashed out at the sheer disrespect. Clearing his voice, he spoke, though not hiding his irritation in his voice "Horkos." his deep and guttural voice grumbled out.
"What business do have with my brethren first of all?" he continued as he turned to face the man "Second, do you know where he is, I'm looking for him myself.". His black cape fluttered in the semi open wind, his scars of battle presenting themselves on a mink that is not one for bullshit. People walking by couldn't help but feel an overwhelming pressure looking at the man and mink staring each other down. Air so thick that it felt like it could choke the people around, tension so strained that a single tug could snap it. A small crowd gathered around, almost attracted like a magnet to just get a glimpse of what is happening.
”Somebody’s in a bad mood, huh? My business with your ‘bretheren’ is just that, my business. A sentiment I’m sure you’d understand, as for his whereabouts? Not a clue. I planned to wander the ship until I found him by happenstance. You’re more than welcome to join me, or go your own way, whatever suits you big fella.”
If it wasn’t clear enough, Baji cared very little for the Mink’s disdain for humans. He didn’t understand it, but it seemed discrimination was quite prevalent outside of his kingdom, an unfortunate reality of being out in the world away from home again. The King nodded briefly in acknowledgment before continuing past the pair of Minks, walking off to wherever his instincts would take him.
But before Baji could leave, a Mink man in a fine suit and tie appeared before them. His long flowing hair was tied into a tight ponytail that fell to the middle of his back. His appearance was clearly kept well, denoting not only his wealth but his status on this boat of earthly pleasure.
“I’m glad both of you men are here today. At least, I’m assuming you two are the people I’m looking for.” He turned his gaze at the towering mink and the regal looking man. They stood out quite significantly on a place such as this, and the fact they both had a clear goal made them stand out from the rest. “If I would do have the pleasure, please follow me and I shall take you to the man you; On one condition.” He looked both of the men in the eye before continuing to speak. “Only the man who takes the top place in the annual gala’s beauty contest will have an audience with the man you seek”
Looking at the mink before him, Horkos scoffed a little bit before turning away from Baji to face the mink "I refuse to participate in such childish games brother. Why do you even aligin yourself with such lowly beings." Pointing towards Baji "Just show me where I can find Botan so that I may recruit him to my cause and that he may be ever protected along side his bretheren".
Horkos wasn't one to play into foolishness of this extent. This felt almost disrespecful that he had to play dress up with others he viewed below him just to have an audience with Botan.
"Eh?" Yoko responded, poking her head out from Horkos, the small pink fox still lying atop her head. "A male beauty contest? And the winner gets an audience with Botan? Isn't that a little sketchy? I mean, I won't judge, but someone who only meets with beauty men sounds kinda... You know?"
The man gently and politely laughed as he listened to Horkos and Baji. “Your prejudice against other races. I simply go where the money flows. That’s all there is to it. And what place has more flowing money than here?” He re-adjusted his tie before continuing to speak. “But yes. Botan is a very, very busy man. If you aren’t willing to go through the proper steps, a peaceful audience with him is near impossible.”
The mink turned towards Yoko, unphased by her comment. He talked with a tone that indicated he was here strictly for business. “I don’t recall saying it was male only. Here on this ship we believe everyone should have a chance to partake in activities. Just make sure you don’t run out of funds!” His tone was jovial, but could easily be misinterpreted as a threat.
Yoko stepped out fully now, "But you did! Well, not those exact words." Yoko responded with an accusatory tone of voice, pointing her finger at the Mink. "Your exact words were 'Only the Man who takes the top place in the beauty contest!" She continued, a toothy grin on her face, knowing that even if the properly dressed mink hadn't meant it in that way, the words certainly conveyed it.
”A beauty contest? Should be easy enough.”
Baji responded to the mink’s statement. When it came to fashion and the like, Baji was a man of seriousness. Everything he did was done with purpose, from the way he kept his hair to the way he meticulously pieced together articles of clothing in order to create a symphony for the eyes of his onlookers. Judging from the sound of things, Botan was also a man of similar appreciation for the art that was fashion, apparently the King made the correct choice in coming here.
“Pointing is rude yknow, but I suppose you cannot fault a child for their behavior. Your prejudice isn’t your fault.”
At the statement of Horkos Baji merely grinned as he bantered back and forth with the lion mink before once more fixing his attention to the individual that informed them of this beauty contest. Regardless of the promise of meeting Botan, Baji was interested from just the principle alone and was actually quite eager to participate. Having finished both of the skewers that were in his hand previously, he took one of the sharpened skewers and used it to pick the remains of his meal from his teeth. When he was certain that nothing remained Baji would go on to flick the wooden sticks off of the Gran Tesoro and on to his ship that had been docked outside, intending to save them for a new fashion line that he’d been planning.
“So this Botan is a man of fashion and style, hm? I like that, lead the way my friend, the sooner it starts the sooner it can end and I can get my audience with the big man in charge.”
Living Luxury[]
The seas below were tranquil, and as time passed, the full moon lit a magnificent reflection on the resting waves. The fragrant smell of the sea hovered in the air, and the splashing of creatures breaking the surface was the only sound audible in the darkened night. It was a wonderful night for sailing, that was one thing everyone on the blue-coated battleship could agree on. The night concealed many secrets, and it was near impossible for any soldier on deck to see out past the ship. And while the crew traveled to danger, painted out in the distance by an ever-growing light, it was nice to have this calm before the storm.
While most soldiers prepared for the oncoming mission, that was not a concern for Delight, who had a makeshift table set up at the bow of the ship. Turning a wrench and working on a particularly cube shaped machine. And normally, during such events, she'd wear her usual off-duty outfit. The soon-approaching mission required her to wear her shiny red metal suit. After twisting the wrench and feeling a strong amount of resistance, she quickly switched tools to a screwdriver. Based on the haste of her attention, she was evidently rushing to get this invention finished. The lights in the distance were acting as the timer that ticked to her deadline.
Doing walking lunges, Sam traveled over to Delight. "You know, if you were planning on going ashore to find a guy, there are better ways to do that than wearing a full suit of armor. Why not come work out with me? Come on, 20 laps in 9 minutes. Let's get you conditioned," she said, turning in place.
Delight was mostly fixated on her work. Though she still found time to reply, all without even bothering to turn her head. She recognized the voice of who was talking to her. ”The Stellar will protect me more than a million laps would protect you, Sam.” She said mockingly, "Besides, we’ll be there in ten minutes max, and if I see that robot again, I have the perfect tool to get him to follow us.” Gently tapping the metallic box she was working on, it was no bigger than a large fist. And on one side, there was a spherical hole that was blocked by a glass lens.
---
Somewhere Unknown Ten Days Ago…
LeBlanc Corvo sat back in his chair as he sipped at his drink, his mind lost amidst a sea of bitter memories. The loud cacophony of the bar was a welcomed distraction. The beat of the music played by a wandering minstrel was pleasant, the raucous laughter and clinking of frothy jugs as various parties shouted and cheered in mirth and merry. Smiling to himself as he stared down the mug of his own drink, it was at these moments where all the bullshit, all the mayhem somehow seemed worth it.
Ever since the end of the War of Empire's he'd been, well busy as ever. With two of the emperors dead, one would think piracy would at least take a break, but alas. He and his fellow Rivers, many of whom had also received their own promotions, were busy laying the groundwork for an information network in the New World.
The World Government would not be caught nearly unawares again. Happenstance and pure luck were the reasons they were even remotely prepared for the war. Letting out a deep breath he closed his eyes and let the sounds of the bar distract him.
A rustling behind him. The thick scent of sea salt and oil. The shuffling footsteps were quick, but quiet and self assured. "Once more into the fray huh?" He said, earning a startled gasp from the figure behind him. Half-lidded eyes opened and he observed the lower ranked River approach him. A young lad, on the cusp of adulthood, a little older than he'd been in when he was introduced to this strange world.
The young man smirked as he shook his head. "Should have known I couldn't get the slip by you Phantom." Corvo let out a chortle, before wrinkling his nose in disgust. "Dumb brat, I could smell you coming a mile away, disguise your scent next time, and learn to match your footsteps with everyone else. Then ya might get lucky. So... what is it this time?"
The sufficiently admonished youth rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, here." He said, thrusting an envelope towards him. Quirking a brow he quickly took the proffered document, before tearing it open and giving it a once over. "Heh."
The youth grinned. "Anyways old man, now that I've done my job, unlike you I'm going to actually get to enjoy my break." Corvo's eyes snapped up to the man. "You think so?" His mouth crinkled upward in a smirk. He handed the youth the document. "Take a good look at where they're sending me."
Confused, the youth huffed and took the document before scanning it. His brows raised in shock as he collapsed on the ground with a loud thud.
Corvo laughed at the shocked response of his subordinate. "I think I'm going to have a great time!"
Present…
One could discern much about a person if you simply looked for the clues. Ever since he rendezvoused with their ship, Corvo had been watching the two Marine officers attached to this mission with keen interest. He had done his research of course, but what was put to paper was more often than not embellishments and half-truths. That this mission and their potential targets went without saying.
There's a reason when his name was on official documents, he purposely excluded his rank. He always wanted to see how the lower ranks went about the business as it were. He also tended to prefer to see how they did under pressure. What with the war taking the lives of so many up and coming Marines missions like these became opportunities to spot latent talent, and as someone in his position, he needed to foster a lot more of it.
So here was was, hiding in the shadows like noir man of mystery.
He had kept himself mostly out of sight, observing, though when engaged he was cordial, polite even, but short. He stood, hidden by the silhouette on the deck, almost completely obscured from view as he observed the two Marines, and the swiftly approaching port of the Gran Tesoro.
Sam sent her arm outstretched over to Delight and grabbed the screwdriver out of her hand. "I see, I see. However, as your superior, I say you've got to run with me in order to get your screwdriver back," she said with a grin before running off.
"Wai- huh? HEY!" Delight yelled, rising from her seat to see Sam already a few meters away. Though she didn't chase, her expression changed to a sly smirk. "Ha! Why would I only have one screwdriver?" Turning around, she reached into her toolbox, pulling out a different screwdriver that looked just slightly smaller. "Stupid hare." Speaking in a victorious tone, she got back to work. Placing the tool on a screw, she just twisted it.
The screwdriver turned, but the screw didn't. "Huh?" Trying again, she found the same result. Looking closer to see the problem, it was too small now. "Your kidding." Moaning to herself, she let down the tool and let out a sigh. "GET BACK HERE, YOU STUPID HARE." Leaping from her seat, she dashed out in the direction Sam had run. She was nearly flying with how fast she ran, her speed enhanced by an odd cylindrical cone protruding from her back. It spit out an orange flame like some form of thruster, pushing her forward at incredible speeds.
Turning her paw pads into springs, she bounced out of the way of Delight's charge, her arm turning into a spring and stretching to a high elevation to yank herself away in a snap. "Gotta be faster than that, pinky," she chuckled. "Also, calling me a hare is kind of rude, you know?" She said, flicking her hand down to Delight to boop her nose before her hand sprang back to her like a slinky.
By the time Delight had managed to slow herself, skidding across the deck like a bull, ending its rampage. Stopping just in time to be bopped on the nose by an outstretched hand. She was momentarily caught off guard by the act, but quickly went to grab Sam's hand from her nose. Reaching it just a little too late and watching the hand return to Sam. "Well, you know what's also kind of rude? STEALING PEOPLES STUFF!" Jumping off the ground, two blasts of heat ejected from both of her feet. Newly formed thrusters were the cause, and they launched her up towards Sam to catch her again.
Corvo observed the antics between the two officers his expression one of cool indifference. Inwardly he smiled at their interactions, because in his experience the more eccentric the individual was, there seemed to be a correlating rank of power. Judging by these two, he could tell that at the very least, they were probably destined for either a quick death or a very long and prolific career in the Marines. But they were pressed for time, and they were quickly nearing their destination, best to get this whole thing started.
"Yes, yes, a little fun is required every now and then on these seas. But, we do have a job to do eh?" He said flashing the two a brilliant smile. "Come on, look ahead." Across the bow of the navy ship, the bright lights of the Gran Tesoro could be seen in all their glory in the distance. Several ships had already docked, and there entourage was well on their way towards those hallowed golden halls within.
"I'm going to leave the leadership of this mission in both of your capable hands. In the meantime, I'll get us docked and ready to head out. May I suggest that the two of you scout ahead and secure a spot for us in the gambling den? Ill meet with you once I've got things here settled."
Without waiting for a reply, Corvo got to shouting orders for the Marines on board to prepare to dock, setting up watch rotations, as well assigning patrols and acquiring provisions.
"Fine! But she started it!" Delight complained, crossing her arms and turning so she didn't have to look at Sam. After hearing Corvo suggest they leave, she took that literally. "And sure, I'll head out." Without another word, Delight walked off the edge of the ship. Miniature rocket boosters forming on her feet and shooting her through the air. In the blink of an eye, she was gone. Arriving on the Gran Tesoro ahead of time.
"Stupid rabbit gets away with stealing my stuff." She mumbled to herself as she landed in a back alley. Kicking a loose can away in her annoyance. She didn't even get to finish the tool she hoped to use here. Before long, her anger was washed away at the sight of the island ship she was now on.
Dress to Impress[]
Horkos had enough of this foolishness, however, he couldn't just make a full blown scene like he did with the rude humans that bumped into him. Deciding to just shake his head and go along with what was happening, he followed the two. "Yoko, let's just see how this goes" he spoke in a rough and irritated tone. The air around him in this mood felt heavy enough to crush someone, little waves appeared off his body as he held in his frustration in order to see this through. It wasn't like Horkos wasn't fashionable, he wore one of his best outfits here to blend in with the environment. He was not about to let a human walk over him like that, so he was going to make sure to disintegrate this plebeian in this petty contest and meet with Botan.
Yoko bit her lip as Horkos agreed to join the beauty contest, having mixed feelings about the whole thing. On one hand, she was happy he decided to try something other than violence first but on the other, she didn't believe in his chances of winning. As much as she'd hesitate to admit it, humans didn't much care for minks or their standards of beauty and it wasn't as though Horkos was much of a looker as it was.
"Alright... So... how do you plan on winning?" She asked, hoping the man had a plan.
Horkos looked at Yoko, smiled and simply said "With my charm" chuckling a bit he turned back to continue following the mink. His plan was very simple, he was going to force an audience with Botan by any means necessary, "Are there any rules to this competition?" he asked the mink.
"Yes... Charm is what I would call it." The mink man said distastefully at Horkos. He personally didn't mind minks. He believed that all races were equal. But Horkos was still gross. The man reeked of combat, and despite his fancy clothing still showed his true nature. But the man didn't believe in discrimination, especially against someone who could be such a valuable test subject, so he accepted him nonetheless. "And yes, there are some rules. Firstly, no fancy haki or devil fruit related shenanigans. Doing so results in immediate disqualification. Any attempts to sabotage an opponent's outfit will result in a disqualification. And lastly, do not go into any rooms that are marked as off limits. Doing so will result in a swift and painless death." He looked up at the trio of people in front of him. What they wanted his boss for he did not know. But complaining would do him no good.
”I take it you aren’t the biggest fan of fashion? Quite the shame, under different circumstances you could’ve been quite the model.. though admittedly someone of your stature would probably find it difficult. I suppose your innate abilities due suit combat better, you were involved in that war a couple years ago I presume?”!
Baji inquired to Horkos before his attention shifted to who he assumed to be Botan’s assistant as he explained the ins and outs of the competition, chuckling at the supposed promise of death should one of them decide to enter one of these off limit rooms. If it wasn’t obvious by now, Baji didn’t such statements very seriously. While he was willing to follow rules for the time being, a fashion show something he’d express interest in regardless, he didn’t pay much attention to any ‘rules’ that regarded anything outside of that. Similarly to Horkos, Baji insisted on having a meeting with Botan regardless of the circumstances and nothing short of the ship itself sinking to the ocean floor would stop him in such an endeavor. He wasn’t as openly opposed as Horkos, but he too carried himself with an air that made it abundantly clear that he could not and would not be told what to do. For the sake of making a good first impression though he opted to play along, for now anyway.
“So, how long do you expect this thing to take? I’d like to avoid being here all day if I can, things can get hectic at home very fast if I’m not on top of it.”
Horkos stood in the back, trying to think of ways to simply bend the rules that way he doesn't have to deal with this bullshit, his original plan of knocking out the competition just went out the window. Last case scenario, he would have to send in his trump card, Yoko. Fashion has never been his specialty, as over eccentric clothing would impair his ability to fight. But that is when it hit him, no where in the rules did it say he couldn't sabotage the opponents themselves with a beat down, as long as he leaves the outfit unharmed.
"That and where will we be going to do such competition" He asked, hiding his inner thoughts behind an unchanging face.
“If I may have the pleasure, just follow me up these stairs and we will arrive shortly.” The mink man waved his hand, showing them the pathway up the stairs right behind him. “Once you get to the top you’ll notice the other contestants have already begun preparing their outfits. Be fully dressed in 45 minutes. Once you are dressed go to the main ballroom. Await further instruction.” He bowed fully as he gestured for the group to continue onwards.
A Strange Encounter[]
Even at his rank LeBlanc Corvo appreciated the time and routine and minutiae of docking the ship, and getting a orders finalized for the next rotation, as well as sweet offering of the most coveted of all Marine rewards; shore leave. Alas, a few fools decided that in order to get in on the action they were going to shirk on a few safety checks, which is why when the ship docked, it did so improperly, crashing into the port. Thankfully the damage to the docking bay was negligible but the safety checks that should have been performed resulted in damages to the hull which was going to require some repairs.
Suffice to say, something as stupidly simple as this had rightly earned his ire, and he let his frustrations known to the Marines who so callously failed to do their duty. The locals at least were entertained, and probably until the end of the night, the local joke around the taverns and tables would be all kinds of innuendo about the navy's inability to dock their ship properly. Letting out a chuckle, he had to admit, that he may have contributed to that one. Still, although the requisition officer could have handled the duty of searching for a shipwright to help with their repairs, Corvo decided to do it himself in his stead.
If he had to spend one more minute on that damn ship with those buffoons he was liable to send them plummeting to the bottom of the ocean. So he took the first opportunity he could to leave the ship and find someone capable and discreet enough to help repair a navy ship. He had loudly made it known upon exiting the ship that he was looking for a shipwright, but he was encountering some difficulties.
Walking down the golden street, Corvo in full naval regalia pondered what he was going to do.